Denied in two earlier years, Temecula Valley senior wins league singles title

After two unsuccessful trips to the championship match in past years, the Temecula Valley High senior made good on his final opportunity, capturing the Southwestern League singles title with a 6-0, 6-1 victory over Chaparral’s Jonathan Rodriguez during the league finals at Murrieta Tennis Club.

“Given the fact that I have made it to the finals twice but lost, this one means a lot,” Hensley said. “This was my goal all season, and to be able to meet it, it’s a great feeling.”

Last year, Hensley lost his second consecutive league championship match to teammate and friend Troy Chavez.

The defeat motivated Hensley to want to improve even more. So the 5-foot-9 player did what he has done since taking up the sport in the eighth grade — he relied on his work ethic.

Hensley spent countless hours on the court last summer and trained in the offseason with the ACES club in Temecula, serving as the captain as the advanced junior team won a section championship in January.

“I honestly felt, even from my freshman year, that with enough hard work, I could do this,” Hensley said. “I wanted to give myself the best chance to accomplish this, and to do that meant that I had to play year-round. It has made all the difference, and I am playing at my best right now.”

Said Temecula Valley coach Rob Skinner: “This is fantastic for (Hensley) and even better for those of us who have watched him grow since his freshman year. He came into this program as a wide-eyed freshman and he is leaving as the league’s singles champion.

“It all comes down to the amount of effort he gave. He constantly found a way to get out on that court.”

Hensley, who went undefeated in league play this season, caught a break before the tournament even began when two-time defending champion Chavez withdrew because of a shoulder injury.

“I was definitely thinking about playing (Chavez),” Hensley said. “When I heard he had to withdraw, I felt bad for him, but my mindset didn’t change. I had to take it round by round.”